Iran has called for increased railway cooperation among Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states, focusing on boosting regional connectivity and economic growth. This call was made by Jabbar-Ali Zakeri, CEO of the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways, at the 5th meeting of SCO railway officials in Moscow.
Zakeri proposed a trilateral meeting between Iran and Russia to simplify tariffs and improve freight transport efficiency.
He further suggested creating an expert working group to tackle border issues, identify underutilised rail routes, and develop a financial model to attract investment for new rail infrastructure.
Highlighting Iran’s strategic location as a key transit corridor linking East and West Asia, Zakeri reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to strengthening both bilateral and multilateral partnerships within the SCO.
He emphasised the importance of east-west and north-south transit routes through Iran, which connect major markets across Asia and Europe.
A key element in this strategy is the North-South Intercontinental Corridor, a major global rail transport project, as reported by Tehran Times, a partner of TV BRICS.
Completion of the Rasht-Astara railway in northern Iran, a crucial link in the North-South Corridor, is central to this vision.
High-level negotiations between Iran and Russia are underway to expedite construction, aiming to significantly boost regional connectivity and facilitate international trade.
Iran’s push for greater cooperation aligns with the SCO’s broader goal of advancing infrastructure development and fostering economic integration among its members.
